The Faceless Billionaire Celebrity Wife-Chapter 193: Birthday Dinner (1)

"Of course. If the celebrant forgets her own birthday, how do you expect him to remember?" Shikera replied.

’Then am I the strange one for always remembering Natalia’s birthday even when she was not with me?’ Liam wondered. He recalled Chris’ words about Ethan, his son who knew very well the meaning of contract, and his face fell. By chance, was Ethan joking with Shikera’s feelings? He had seen the opposite of that at the ice cream parlor though, or was he the one with poor judgement?

"Kera, do you think you will still be able to annul your marriage with Ethan?" he asked.

Shikera was silent for some minutes before answering,"I have no choice but to do that. We turned out to be different after all and...I won’t have any use for him if I stay so. Anyways, we both know we will have to annul the marriage when it’s one year old. Or before that, with the situation of things now."

She added inwardly,"Though we will be divorcing and not just annulling, since our marriage is already consummated."

"What?! Is it just me or is everyone just so strange these days? You talk like divorcing him is nothing as if you two have no feelings for each other. If you are so nonchalant about it, why not divorce now instead of waiting for later?!" Liam asked, unable to hide his annoyance. He could not bear the rollercoaster Shikera and Ethan’s relationship was throwing him in. This moment, they seemed like they would never leave each other, and the very moment they act like strangers. Who does that?! Shikera’s reply shocked him all the more.

"That’s a good idea. That way, everyone can save something too. You only have to give him half of whatever you promised him for holding up in this marriage."

"Who told you I promised him something? Kera—"

Shikera smiled wryly, "It’s alright, I am not a stupid person who thinks anyone would just willingly take care of her for nothing. Don’t worry, whatever you give him is well deserved because not only was my health taken care of, my heart was too."

Liam could only sigh in defeat. What else would he say to her?

"You should prepare the divorce paper. I will sign it when I and Ethan are ready. I promise we won’t trouble you with this!" she stated, crossing her heart in a funny way.

"It’s alright, Shikera. You will come home, right?" he asked carefully.

"Of course! Where else would I go?" Shikera replied, throwing him her own question. The question that had been bothering her for a while now. She was oblivious to the fact that Liam’s face broke into a contented smile when he heard her answer.

"I will be going then. The lawyer will prepare the papers and I will find a way for you to get it. Just now that we will wait for you at home, no matter how long it takes you to decide," he promised, rising from the couch. He had only been worried for nothing, thinking Shikera would not want to come back home because of the new arrivals. Now, he didn’t care if she divorced Ethan or not, as long as she did so willingly and came back to him. He would take care of her himself, not minding his illness.

Shikera stood up after him and walked him back to the car. "When will you be leaving to continue your treatment?" she asked.

"In a week. I will find a way to—What?! How did you know I was treating myself? Who told you? Ethan? Chris...or was it Noah?"

"Do you think I’m that stupid? You love me, daddy, and I know you won’t leave me alone for some stupid vacation just because I can’t travel. You had a good reason for leaving and I also have my sources, I used them to find the reason," Shikera lied.

Liam did not believe her. But what other choice did he have? He placed his two hands on Shikera’s shoulders and said reassuringly, "I am alright. It’s no big deal so don’t hesitate to bother me. And don’t think about any other person apart from us two. Do you understand?"

"Yes, yes. You are being so fussy today," Shikera laughed, taking a step back from Liam. She continued,"Just go. I still have to go unpack my gift."

"Yes, Princess Shikera!" Liam exclaimed jokingly. He hugged Shikera goodbye and got into the car.

Shikera watched the car pull out of the parking lot and drive away from the villa. She waited until she could not hear any sound before going back to the patio to find out her phone was ringing.

The number was unfamiliar, and she was a little bit wary as she picked it up.

"Hello?"

"It’s Raine, Shikera!" An enthusiastic voice called back.

Raine...Raine? Ethan’s mum?! Why was she calling her?

"Oh...okay," she said, not knowing how to reply to the woman. She was sure Raine had heard the news of how she was not Liam Anderson’s daughter and therefore, she was unsure of what the woman wanted to say. Did she want to taunt her or express her sympathy? Either one, she didn’t need it.

"What’s this? Why is the birthday girl’s voice as dull as this?" Raine asked.

Shikera’s brows furrowed. Did Raine call to wish her happy birthday?

"Nothing! I was just a little bit confused just now. You remembered it’s my birthday?"

"Of course, there is no reason for anyone to forget the day you were born. Except Ethan of course, and the Mega youngsters who were birthed after you."

Shikera was confused about why Raine thought Ethan could forget her birthday, but she didn’t bother herself with thinking about it.

Raine continued,"So, you should come over for dinner today. Let’s have a small celebration!" 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶

"Uh? I don’t think..."

"You must come. Just come over on your own and I will call the others to join us."

Raine was giving her no way out so Shikera agreed. She felt like meeting the woman even if it was just to determine her real reaction to Shikera not turning out to be Liam’s daughter.

"Okay! I will be there early," Shikera finally agreed. She hung up on the call and turned to Hazel who had just arrived.

"Will you come with me? Mrs DeLoach invited me to dinner," she asked.

★★★

Liam stared casually at his reflection in the mirror, before stepping out of the room. He almost shut the door as soon as he opened it, when he saw someone sitting right in front of the door.

It was Elizabeth.

"Elizabeth? What are you doing here?" he asked.

"Daddy! Oh...I wanted to ask if you would go with me to somewhere. The chef recommended an ice cream parlor to me so..."

Liam sighed, willing himself to be patient with her.

"That’s great, Elizabeth. But I won’t be able to accompany you today. I have a previous appointment," Liam said apologetically.

He made to leave when he was done talking, but was intercepted by Elizabeth.

"I can go with you! I promise to behave myself and not pass my boundaries."

Liam was about to refuse her again, but seeing the earnest plea in her eyes made him rethink. After all, it was not her fault that she missed fatherly love all through her childhood. If anyone was to blame, then it should be he himself.

"Okay, get yourself dressed. We are just visiting within the estate so just be moderate," he instructed.

"Thanks, daddy!" Elizabeth exclaimed. She rushed away from Liam’s sight immediately to get dressed in her room. Even though he told her to dress moderately, she still wore a designer gown and adorned herself with bracelets, earrings, and a necklace with a diamond pendant.

She was aware that all the houses in this estate was owned by the Mega families and whoever Liam was visiting in this estate, it had to be someone from the Mega families. Each of the families had grown up, unmarried sons except Ethan who would soon be divorced anyway, so it was better go there fully prepared and in her best.

When she was satisfied with her dressing, she pulled the band holding her hair up and let it fall down onto her shoulders. Just like Shikera’s hair had been the day they met.

Then she stepped out to meet Liam in the living room. He looked surprised at her dressing, but he did not say anything so she presumed he was somehow pleased too.

"Do I...look alright?" she asked carefully.

"Of course," Liam replied. "You look beautiful...just like your mother."

Elizabeth’s happiness soared through the roof and with a wide smile on her face, she closed the distance between them and hooked her hand around Liam’s arm.

"Let’s go, daddy."

Liam returned the smile, nodding gently at her.

"Let’s go...Princess."